Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Applauds Peaceful Anambra Election

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has lauded the ongoing Anambra governorship election, describing it as peaceful, well-organised, and professionally coordinated. Speaking to journalists immediately after casting her vote at Polling Unit 001, Ward 2, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Okpuno-Egbu, Nnewi North LGA, she expressed satisfaction with the smooth flow of the process. Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that election officials arrived early and voter accreditation commenced without delay — a sharp improvement from previous election cycles plagued by logistical setbacks.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted that the presence of security personnel around the voting area was reassuring rather than intimidating, boosting voter confidence. According to her, the calm atmosphere is proof that when adequate planning and coordination are done, elections in Nigeria can be credible and violence-free. She emphasized that citizens could perform their civic duties without fear or tension, praising local residents for conducting themselves maturely.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sustain this level of efficiency throughout the vote collation and transmission stages, insisting that transparency is key to maintaining the trust of the electorate. She encouraged eligible voters across the state who were yet to come out to their polling units to seize the moment and make their voices heard.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Applauds Voters’ Determination and Civic Responsibility

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed deep admiration for the high voter turnout, especially the active participation of women and young people. She stated that democracy thrives when citizens take ownership of the electoral process and refuse to be discouraged by past experiences. Her remarks underscore the growing political interest in Anambra, with residents determined to influence decisions affecting the state’s future.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that a peaceful election is a victory not only for candidates and political parties but also for the people and institutions that uphold democratic values. She described the conduct of voters as exemplary and stressed that the absence of violence demonstrates the political maturity and evolving democratic culture of the state. According to her, “this is the kind of election that builds confidence and restores hope in Nigeria’s democratic process.”

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated that free, fair, and credible elections remain the most powerful tools for promoting good governance. She added that when elections are conducted transparently, leaders emerge through the people’s mandate, strengthening accountability and development in the state.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Calls on INEC to Protect the Integrity of the Final Results

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged INEC to ensure real-time uploading of results on the IReV portal, stressing that transparency at this stage is crucial to maintaining trust. She warned that delays or inconsistencies in result transmission create doubts and unnecessary tension among electorate and observers. Maintaining transparency, she said, is the easiest way to show that the electoral body has nothing to hide.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu also encouraged party agents and election observers to remain vigilant as results are being collated at various levels. She emphasized that all stakeholders — political parties, voters, and security agencies — must play their roles responsibly to ensure that the final outcome reflects the will of the people. She appealed for calm and patience while INEC completes the collation process.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu concluded by calling on candidates and political actors to embrace sportsmanship and prioritize peace above personal ambition. According to her, elections should never be a battlefield but a platform for democratic choice, and whoever emerges victorious must carry every stakeholder along for the development of Anambra State.